Austria implements new parcel and consumer credit regulations

New taxation and credit regulations in Austria are significantly altering consumer behavior and e-commerce practices. According to the Handelsverband, the EU flat-rate customs duty of three euros on imports from third countries valued under 150 euros has led to a roughly 30 percent drop in parcel volumes from Asia, as confirmed by Austria Post.

Market research indicates that nearly half of Austrian consumers report ordering less frequently from Asian platforms such as Temu, Shein, and AliExpress due to these costs. Additionally, a domestic parcel tax introduced in October has prompted consumers to bundle multiple orders into single shipments to mitigate fees.

Separately, new consumer credit regulations taking effect on November 20, 2026, aim to prevent over-indebtedness by tightening rules on “Buy Now, Pay Later” services and requiring stricter creditworthiness checks. These changes impact major retailers like Amazon, which will discontinue its monthly billing option in Austria. Instead, Amazon will move to individual invoices for every order, requiring payment within 14 days.